Why We’re Seeing More Americans Investing in Prime London Property
Over the past year, I have seen a clear and accelerating trend: more American clients choosing to invest in prime London property, whether to live in, rent out, or simply hold as a reliable store of wealth. This is not just something we are reading about in the press. It is evident in the instructions coming across our own desk, in the calls I am fielding with London agents, and in the collaborations we are developing with our partners in immigration law and relocation services.
It is tempting to reduce this to a simple financial story: a strong dollar meeting a relatively soft London market. That certainly plays a role, but the real drivers are more layered and frankly more human. When I talk to these clients, often high-net-worth individuals or families, it is clear they are not simply hunting for a bargain but looking for a foothold in a city that offers stability, prestige and lifestyle advantages that align with their values and plans.
Our contacts at prime London estate agents tell us that demand from American buyers is among the strongest they have seen in years. Mansion Global recently highlighted this same phenomenon, pointing to the new wave of wealthy Americans seeking properties in areas like Mayfair, Belgravia, Kensington and Chelsea. These are not speculative buy-to-let investors looking for yield. They are often families planning multi-year stays, executives wanting a base that works for transatlantic business, or those hedging against domestic uncertainty in the US.
Demand is strongest in areas like Kensington, Notting Hill, Marylebone and St John’s Wood. These neighbourhoods offer not just prestige but also the kind of living space and international schools that meet American expectations. Our clients are drawn to lateral apartments, large gardens and turnkey branded residences with concierge-style services. Big open-plan kitchens, ensuite bedrooms and cinema rooms are often part of the brief.
Not every client is buying straight away. According to James Stuart-Mogg, Head of Sales in Kensington at John D Wood:
“We noticed a shift with American’s coming to the London in early January after the American Elections and when the Dollar was at its closest to the Pound. Since then, however, the dollar has slipped and with the additional Stamp Duty Land Tax for international purchasers, we have seen buyer’s become more discerning and now looking to rent in the Kensington and Notting Hill area instead if they are only here for a 5 year period or less..”
This reflects a practical trend. For those with longer-term plans, purchasing remains the goal. But where a purchase may not make immediate sense, rental demand remains strong and is still being driven by the same lifestyle factors such as space, schooling, convenience and location.
Christopher Shaw, Associate Partner at the Private Office Real Estate, adds:
“The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, and particularly Notting Hill, has for many years been the destination of choice for U.S buyers looking to relocate to London. Since the beginning of 2025 we have certainly seen an increase in new buyers and actual sales being agreed to our friends from “across the pond”. As has been widely reported, many U.K citizens are choosing to relocate to the Middle East but it also seems a percentage of those are being replaced by American purchasers wishing to call London and specifically Notting Hill home."
Many of these buyers want space. The British idea of lateral living or large family houses with generous gardens resonates powerfully. But there is also clear demand for serviced apartments and branded residences that promise hotel-style amenities, concierge support, and true lock-up-and-leave convenience. Developments like Whiteley in Bayswater or the new Four Seasons residences are tailored precisely to this market. Our clients want the security of knowing they can arrive in London and immediately live at the standard they expect at home.
There is a cultural dimension too. While London’s architectural heritage is part of the appeal, many Americans still want homes adapted to their lifestyle with big kitchens, ensuite bedrooms, cinema rooms, and spaces reminiscent of the Hamptons aesthetic.
Education is another major driver. Families with children are focused on school options. St John’s Wood, with the American School, remains an evergreen choice. Areas with excellent independent schools, from Notting Hill to South Kensington, attract parents planning ahead for a smooth relocation. We see this reflected in the searches our clients commission from agents who are well attuned to the schooling conversation.
At Laurus, we are not just seeing this trend from afar. We are responding to it directly in the way we advise clients. We help American buyers understand London’s legal system, which is notably different from many US states when it comes to conveyancing, leasehold complexities, and planning regulations. It is our role to cut through that complexity, giving them confidence to transact at speed.
But buying the property is only part of the journey. That is why we are working closely with our immigration law partners who specialise in American clients moving to the UK. For many, investment is one piece of a wider relocation plan. They are seeking visas under investor categories, skilled worker routes, or ancestry pathways. They want advice on how property ownership interacts with UK residency and tax considerations. It is vital they have integrated, seamless advice from securing the right visa to completing on their new home.
As our partners at Samartin and Friends, a US immigration law firm, recently noted:
“We are seeing a strong uptick in Americans choosing to live and work in London. For many, the draw is multifaceted: international career opportunities, access to European markets, educational prospects for children, or simply the appeal of a more globally connected lifestyle. Corporate mobility continues to play a major role, with intra-company transfers and entrepreneurial expansion driving visa activity. Meanwhile, high-net-worth individuals are increasingly looking to London for its cultural prestige and global influence.
This trend also reflects broader geopolitical realities. We have heard clients speak candidly about political polarisation in the US, worries about taxation, or a desire to have a European base that feels safe and well connected. London remains uniquely well positioned as a global hub: English-speaking, culturally familiar yet richly international, with time-zone advantages for those doing business on both coasts of the US.
What is striking is how consistent these motivations are across clients. Whether it is the senior executive needing a two-bedroom pied-à-terre in Marylebone for frequent stays or the family seeking a five-bedroom house near St John’s Wood for a full relocation, the themes recur: quality of life, certainty, global access, and future planning.
This is not without its challenges
Prime London property remains competitive, and buyers must navigate legal and regulatory requirements carefully. We are honest with our clients about these realities, and we see our role as making the complex simple, whether that is guiding them through leasehold reform issues, managing tight transaction timelines, or liaising with agents and surveyors to keep deals on track.
Ultimately, the surge in American demand is not just a headline trend. It is a clear signal of London’s enduring appeal, and it demands that those of us in the property and legal sectors adapt. At Laurus, we are investing in these relationships, strengthening our partnerships with agents, and working closely with specialist immigration lawyers who can ensure relocations do not stall at the visa stage.
It is this integrated approach, covering property, legal, and personal matters, that gives our clients real confidence to move forward. For American buyers looking at London not just as an investment but as a future home, that joined-up support is essential. If you are exploring your own move, or advising clients considering this path, we are here to help you navigate every step of the journey.
About the author
James Hollingsworth is CEO of Laurus and leads the team in delivering clear, practical legal advice, supported by experienced specialists across property, family and legacy services. Laurus advises a wide range of UK and international clients, including American individuals and families investing in or relocating to London. With access to an unparalleled network of estate agents, commercial brokers, relocation advisors and immigration experts and the ability to meet US-based clients in person – the firm delivers seamless, joined-up support tailored to every stage of a client’s journey.
Get in touch
If you're an American buyer or advisor seeking jargon‑free, end‑to‑end support, visit our Advice for US Buyers and Investors page. Or contact our team directly on 020 3146 6300 or hello@lauruslaw.co.uk for a confidential discussion about making your move to the UK with complete confidence.
